Travel to Sikkim

Tourist Map of Sikkim

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Sikkim Images

Football Uniting Sikkim

Ganesh Tok Temple

Himalayan Zoological Park

Khecheopalri Monastery Village

Lal Bazaar

Rumtek Monastery

Sikkim Tourism

Lying on the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, the sleepy state of Sikkim is small but a picture perfect destination. So enchanting is its Alpine beauty, it is often dubbed as the "Switzerland of the East".

A travel to Sikkim would take you to the land of ice-capped mountains, rolling slopes clad in thick Alpine woods. Steep heights and plunging gorges, stretched covered in snow - that is what Sikkim sums up.

Travel to Sikkim to see the lovely interplay of clouds and mountain peaks in the sapphire sky. Take a peek at the Mount Kanchendzonga as the sun rises and the beams lend it a golden hue. It is the third highest peak in the world and also the guardian deity of the land.

This is the land of quaint little hamlets peeping out from the towering junipers and rhododendrons. Drive uphill to the placid lakes and mystic old monasteries. Listen to the clang of prayer bells as the prayer flags flutter in the wind. Here legends and natural splendor lies entwined into each other.

Sikkim Demographics

Location

Eastern part on IndiaTibet in the North Nepal on the West Bhutan in the East West Bengal on the south.

Latitude

Between 27 ° 30' and 28 °30' North

Longitude

Between 80 ° and 88 °30' East

Area

7096 sq km

Climate

Summer - Warm Winter - Cold sometimes freezing

Max Temperature

28 °C

Min Temperature

0 °C

Average Annual Rainfall

325 cm

Capital

Gangtok

Population

5,40,493

Languages

Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali, Limbu

Religion

Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam

Best Time to Visit

March to August

Clothing

Summer - Cottons Winter - Heavy Woolens

Travel to Sikkim to raft through the turbulent and foaming white waters of the Teesta and the Rangit as they rush down to the plains.

Best Time to Visit Sikkim
Keeping in mind the above mentioned climatic conditions, the best time to visit the mountaineering state are the months of April and May. This is the time of the year, which observes the full bloom of orchids and rhododendrons.

How to Reach Sikkim
On the foothills of the Himalayas, the tiny state of Sikkim is often referred to as the "Switzerland of the East". Lofty, mist-clad mountains dominate the skyline of Sikkim. The gurgling river of the Teesta rushes through the hilly terrains lending the region breathtaking beauty.

By Air

Sikkim does not has its own airport. The nearest Airport is Bagdogra (near Siliguri) in West Bengal, which lies only 125 km away from Gangtok the capital of Sikkim. Bagdogra is connected to cities like Delhi and Kolkata by regular flights.

By Road

Although the state of Sikkim lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, it has a good network of roads. Sikkim can be entered through northern areas of West Bengal. Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri are directly connected to Gangtok and other cities of the state. But during the monsoon seasons sometimes, landslides create temporary problems in road transport.

By Rail

Sikkim does not have any rail network in its boundary. The nearest Railways Station is New Jalpaiguri (near Siliguri), which is connected to Gangtok by road. New Jalpaiguri boasts of an extensive rail network with major Railway Stations in India, such as Kolkata, Delhi. It is also conveniently linked to the cities of Northeastern India like, Guwahati.

Shopping in Sikkim
Although Sikkim is not an ideal shopping hotspot, still shopping is Sikkim may turn out to be a true pleasure if you know what to shop and where. Sikkim has its fair share of traditional arts and crafts that may lead you to a shopping spree in Sikkim.

These articles are durable plush and are dyed not with synthetic dyes but traditional vegetable Sikkimese dyes.

Sikkim also boasts of its traditional paintings called Thangkas on cotton canvas and often framed with silk. Along with that wood-carved artifacts are also interesting items for shopping in Sikkim. Exquisite Choksee table designed in Tibetan style is also a must buy for avid shoppers.

While shopping in Sikkim, look for:

The best place for shopping in Sikkim is Gangtok, the capital city. Many Government Emporia and private run shops are located in the main market area on Mahatma Gandhi Marg.

Tibetan Handicrafts centre is also a good place for shopping in Sikkim.

Cuisine of Sikkim
It is famous to food lovers for its traditional cuisine of Himalayas. Rice is the basis of Sikkim cuisine. Besides that, the famous restaurants here even serve non-vegetarian Indian, Tibetan, Nepalese, Chinese and Italian cuisines along with brewed beer and other beverages. The Sikkim restaurants serve mouth-watering Momo, Pakku (Mutton curry), Thukpa, Chhurpi (conventional cottage cheese) etc. Following are the names of a few famous restaurants found there:

China Palate in New Market

Dragon's Den on M. G. Marg

Little Italy in Deorali

Oberoi's Barbeque in New Market

Vegetarians can visit the following restaurants:

Parivar Restaurant in M. G. Marg

Metro's Fast Food at NH 31A

Krishna Restaurant

Hotels of Sikkim
The State has hotels of star and non star category catering to the needs of the tourists visiting the place. Besides it has resorts, restaurants and cafes which cater to the needs of all segments of travellers.

Sikkim, nestled in the snow-capped Himalayan range, is a mystical place of picturesque natural beauty. Its spectacular view of the high mountains, flower-festooned meadows, varied flora and fauna along with its vibrant culture will ensure you have one of your best holiday trips. More Details...